OH!..BAM!..AH!

After more than two years of campaigning, yesterday America finally elected a new president. I can' believe this long fight has finally come to an end, and even with the result I was hoping for. It's taken me all day to take in the realities - Obama won! What a great chance for the World! Thank you America.


I only have one regret: I wasn't there. We had the best tip ever to the US and enjoyed every single day and every single person who took the time to talk with us about values, hopes and opinions on the future of this great country, but for sure we should've stayed until the election. For some reason it wasn't quite the same to sit in Denmark and watch the election half the night. Where I really wanted to be was here ..or maybe here.

That being said, I am extremely happy that so many Americans fulfilled their civic duty and voted. According to the latest news, more than 62 % of all eligible voters exercised their right and that number is the highest in more than 40 years!

January 20th. January 20th is the day this amazing guy will be moving to that big white house, and rest assured I would sell my right arm (or maybe a kidney?) to be in DC for the official inauguration. The expectations to Obama are so sky high that I don't really know how he'll ever be able to fulfill our hopes for change. But we'll await him and the new administration with great excitement and all I can say is YES WE COULD!



/Anette

Today is the day!

This is it! The day we've been waiting for!
Please do remember to vote today..

Real Straight Talk

Obama's values, politics and visions for America doesn't get more clearer than in this excellent video.

If the world could vote..

Being a European, deciding who I would vote for in the election is an easy choice. That's not to say that I don't see both good and bad sides to both candidates, but to be frank - in my mind, the choice has been made - Obama is my guy.



Of course only Americans are allowed to vote - and quite naturally, as the USA is an independent country. However, in some aspects it would be more than fair to let the rest of the world vote as well. You guys are in fact electing the most important and powerful person on the planet. American politics affect the rest of the world more than I think most Americans are aware of. Everyday we follow in horror the crashing American stockmarkets and banks, knowing that we will be next. As a matter of fact, Denmark has already, along with most European countries, experienced the consequences of the financial crises and just like most Americans we fear that we haven't seen the end to this nightmare yet.

For this reason, I have for some days been following several articles that focus on who would win the election - could the world vote. Several polls have shown that Obama has the upper hand in this election and there are several reasons for the positive attitudes towards him. Europeans see Obama as a symbol of the American dream, and hope for more collaboration across the Atlantic than has been common during the Bush years. Just like many Americans, the Europeans like the messages of hope and change.

I recently found a new initiative, which has been started by 3 guys from Iceland. Like the rest of us, they are interested in what the rest of the world think of the candidates. Their goal is 1 million votes before the election. Please take a minute to cast your vote for either candidate on: www.iftheworldcouldvote.com.

/Anette

Why we believe!

Our parents remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard that Kennedy was dead.

If Obama gets elected that will be our thing to remember and it will be the change that will alter our world and of which we will speak of in the future.

We believe in Obama because he believes in the people. Contrary to the Republican rhetoric and the fear rhetoric of the Bush administration Obama gives people hope. He has the audacity to believe that we as human beings are greater things than fear, war and financial crisis.
It may be weird for some that we as Danish citizens feel this strongly about another nation's future - but what stands clear in my mind is an article about Bush and Anders Fogh (our prime minister) jogging and joking together.

Behind this apparently innocent act of friendship lies a Danish participation in the Iraq war. Most Americans don't even know that we are in this war as well - and this one thing has made me realise how closely politics is related to one another. We are influenced greatly by American politics - and that's why we believe in Obama.

We believe that he can change this influence for the better - we believe that he wont engage the world in illegal wars - and we believe that his warm belief in the people will not only benefit the US - but the whole world.

To vote or not to vote - that is the question

It came as a surprise to me, but according to official information from the Danish Parliament, Denmark has one of the highest voting percentages in the world. As a matter of fact, 84,5 % of all eligible votes exercised their right to vote when we had a parliamentary election i 2005. I guess there are two major reasons for the Danish eagerness to vote. Firstly, being a small country we are always close to the people in power, and secondly, we receive out voting ballots automatically in the mail about two weeks before the election.

As a result, many Danes are interested in politics and know quite a bit about what is going on - both on local, regional and national level. A hot discussion topic right now is actually whether to lower the legal voting age from 18 to 16.



Being a Danish citizen, it thus puzzles me why many Americans don't seem to be interested in voting. In the 2006 presidential election, only 46.3 % of eligible Americans voted. After some research and many talks with people in DC, Virginia and Chicago, Illinois, I found some possible reasons.

• Voter registration - or lack of it. Registering is a long and winded road, and many people never find the way through the jungle. At the same time, there are strict regulations for who can vote and before which date one must register. In many cases contact with authorities and/or re-registration is needed if a person moves.
  
  
• Distance from the centre of power. The USA is a magnificent country of incredible size. I have now travelled there a few times, and I always get surprised by the long distances. However, as a result of the size, the diversity of cultures within the nation and the complicated division of power between federal and state level, it is only natural that many Americans feel a distance to the centre of power in Washington, DC. This distance has as well been a theme in the present election, where Sarah Palin was introduced as a breath of fresh air as she has not been involved in the political turmoil in the nation's capital.
  
  
• Timing. Many Americans struggle to put food on the table and the present financial crisis has not improved their situation. Working double shifts has made it difficult for many to vote, as they will have to take unpaid leave to go vote. In that sense, the decision to place the election on a Tuesday has not make it easier for them. One solution to the problem is voting early, which is possible until Oct. 30th. Judging from the people we met on our trip, quite a few people have chosen to vote early in this election as to ensure their vote will count and as to avoid turmoil and queues at voting places.
  
  
• Feeling of lack of influence on matters.  With the last two elections being so tight, many Americans feel a sense of hopelessness and we have thus met quite a few people who have told us that they don't see the point in voting. However, there is a sense of hope among people who tend to vote for the Democratic party, and we have thus also met quite a few newly registered first-time voters on this trip.

I recently saw an ad for an initiative that tries to get more young people exited about voting. The initiative is called the 'The National Student/Parent Mock Election' and in the 2002 election it managed to get more than 1 million students and parents involved in the 'trial-election'. The initiative is aimed at teaching the kids about democracy and all the practical things related to voting in an election. Available for free online is as well teaching materials and discussion topics on real life problems facing the USA at the moment.

Time will show if initiatives like these have any effects on getting out the vote, but no matter the outcome I see it as a good way to educate and engage young people in the nation's politics. Personally, I think that we need to honor the past and the people who fought for our rights (as women; African-Americans etc.) to vote. I thus see voting not only as a right, but also as a duty. I am not saying that making it against the law not to vote like in Australia is the solution, but how can I disagree and complain about my government and its politics if I didn't bother to vote?

Today's lesson is thus: please remember to vote. History shows that 100 votes can determine who gets to run the country for the next four years. Exercise your right to influence the election.

/Anette

So we're back in Denmark and trying to process the two amazing weeks we've had. It has been great to experience America through election glasses and even though we were hardcore Obama fans when we arrived - we've also enjoyed seeing the other side of the election. And we are even bigger fans now.

As you've seen from the blog entries we've not only learned something about US politics but we've also had some good discussions about Danish politics and society - and it's given us a lot.

We want to thank everyone we've met during this trip - from Stefan and Andrew, who let us stay and didn't mind having to girls in their bachelor-pad to Katie and her parents for also letting us crash and accepting that we were very European at times.

But the best thing about these two weeks has been the people, who saw our Obama buttons and wanted to talk. Thank you for giving us an insight to what this election means to you. We hope that you remember to vote - we don't want to tell you for whom - but as long as you use your right to make a difference - we're sure that we in a few days will see a needed change in the world.

As for the future of this blog we will try to keep posting until election night, which we will try to gather some friends for. But for now we need to focus on the jobs and homework that have been on 'stand-by' for the last two weeks. 

/Fabijana and Anette

Integration/iPhone?!

Being a Danish citizen I’m used to look at America for ”how not to do things”. America is used as the example of exaggeration. We like to think that everything is blown out of proportion in the states. Using the wording of Michael Moore – In America everything is super-sized.

Integration isn’t perfect in America – far from it – but at least it’s really obvious which social problems are at play. In Denmark they are hidden in clever rhetoric and racist policies working undercover as “firm policies”.

However, when we judge how well a country is at integrating its immigrants an obvious place to look is at the political leaders that the country produces. Which kind of candidate is “allowed” to emerge by the influential gatekeepers?

That’s why the election in 2008 has been so interesting. Obama is black. Can you believe it? I mean: yay! What a wonderful thing that America is finally ready for a black president. In my excitement over America’s awesomeness I remembered that I had to return to my own country and its own politics in a short bit, and I slowly felt my arms fall down and the smile on my face turn into a frown.

Where is Denmark’s Obama? Denmark has had a steady immigration flow for years (not so much in the last 7 years) - are you telling me that no foreigner in Denmark has the brains, skills, eloquence and interest to become a political leader?

Of course there are several potential candidates getting in position – but still – I can’t believe that America beat us to it. I guess integration is a bit like a iPhone – America invents it and we get it in Denmark much later and for a higher price

X,

Fabijana

A note on 'The Windy City'

While DC was known area to both me and Fabijana, Chicago is all new territory for both of us. Of course we had read a bit about the city before going (Lonely Planet USA is a big, but helpful friend) but we have been blown away (literally) by the friendliness of people and the number of extreme skyscapers.

Home to almost 3 million people, Chicago is the largest city in the American Midwest. We have already come to love the 'L' - the elevated metro system of the city which for a 2 dollar fee will take you just about anywhere. Furthermore, we have seen the 'Magnificent Mile', will take you to to just about any store you could wish for.

While many people know that Obama has a long history in Chicago - not only as a senator, but also as a community organizer in the city's South Side - it kind of surprised me that the city's love affair with the Democratic party dates much further back. The city has not elected a Republican mayor since 1927 and has been consistent in supporting a Democratic president since 1992. As a consequence, Chicago is known as one of the largest Democratic strongholds in the United States.

Obama's future politics were built and shaped in here, where his community involvement meant that he came in contact with a diverse array of people. There is no doubt that the presidential candidate was formed by his stay here, and the NPR has made a nice analysis of his way up the ranks.

The first few days in Chicago have been so great and the fact is that all the people telling us how great this city is - well, they were right. Today we've been up and down the 'Magnificent Mile' - a mile of pure, good shopping; we've seen the 'Millennium Park', which hosts the famous bean (here's for you Kristina..).

We also got to go to the famous Sears Tower, which for some 24 years was the world's tallest building. We finished off a great day by having the fantastic deep dish pizza, which Chicago is known for.

Contrary to what we thought, today we figured  that despite the fact that Chicago is a pretty windy city, due to the near proximity of lake Michigan, the nickname actually stems from the 'long-winded politicians' - interesting huh?

/Anette

Getting the vote out

"Hi, you're speaking with Anette/Fabijana from the Barack Obama presidential campaign..." 

A lot of our sentences started like that today - and it was great. Waking up - in what seems to be a gay hostel, with a invisible owner, who leaves us notes - we decided to find the Obama Headquarters for Illinois and do some work. 

We were greeted with open arms and a clip board each with about sixty names and numbers on it. The mission was to find volunteers, who would help with the GET OUT THE VOTE DRIVE in Missouri.

It's fairly simple - everyone can endorse Obama on the Internet, among friends, with a pin, or sign in your front lawn - but all of this means nothing if they don't also remember to vote for the guy. 

We met great people, especially Ann who is the nicest woman on earth. She sat next to me and left such nice messages on people's voicemail that I have a hard time imagining who could say no to her.

For us it was all pretty new and exciting and we enjoyed every minute of it. People were smiling and taking time to talk to you. It was amazing to witness the diverse group gathered to help Obama - his message of unity has never been so materialised to me than at this place.

After finishing our phone calls, we went out to see Chicago and what a great city. Today we just walked and took in all impressions, tomorrow we will meet up with Katie, who we also know from DC2006 - can't wait to see more of Chicago.

I read a - unrelated- quote today on a bill board that I want to be the thing you remember from this blog today:

"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits" - Einstein. 

X,

Fabijana

(Due to hurried packing we have a hard time locating the cord to Anette's camera - so pic. will be up as soon as we find a store where we can buy a new one)

Time to change....

...location. Today it was "bye, bye" DC and "Hi there, Chicago". Sitting in a Starbucks in "somewhere" in Chicago we are googling everything and everyone to get a sense of where to go and where to sleep.

DC was a fantastic experience seeing old friends from the class of 2006, but we're excited to move one to new and hopefully greater things.



Today we're gonna try to make the rain stop from falling and get settled - tomorrow 9 am you can find us at the Obama Headquarters.

For now we need to follow Maslow's pyramid of needs - physiological things first - sadly Starbucks won't let us spend the night.

/Anette and Fabijana

Get an idea of Obama and Chicago here

Go Colin!!

This speaks for itself!

/Anette and Fabijana

Is America a Banana republic?

Having discussed the election with tons of people and following the election debates I find that freedom can have a lot of different meanings. Coming from Denmark it's sometimes difficult to discuss election issues because the word freedom comes in the way.

For me freedom means that I can go to the doctor whenever I want to for free. Freedom also means that my parents don't have to worry about my education, because it's free - the biggest worry is to find the right education. Freedom is receiving about 900 dollars a month in support for studying. Freedom is knowing that the government will distribute the wealth around so that - in theory - no Danish citizen would have to live on the streets. Freedom is leaving a lot of decision making to government, so I have time for other things. Freedom is receiving a voting ballot in my mailbox and not having to register.  Of course I pay a high tax to be able to enjoy this freedom - but if given a choice I would never change that.

In America spreading the wealth around is considered a terrible thing to say. McCain even used it as an attack on Obama at the last debate. People cherish their right to make every decision about their lives and thereby individualising freedom. People who have a good income can afford health care and have better chance of surviving in this world. (I can't believe that many Americans don't believe in evolution, when Darwin's theory about natural selection is built in in your perception of freedom)

I am aware of the cultural and historical differences between Denmark and the US - but still. Wouldn't it be easier to have health care and college education deleted from you expense list and to focus on other aspects of life instead?

The only reason you would say no to this is if you don't trust your government. When talking to my friend about this he said that he wouldn't want government to get more power because what might be used for good purposes under one president may be used totally different by another president. 

I began understanding this lack of trust towards the people in power and it's no wonder -  I mean if I was an American citizen I wouldn't want Bush to have more power than he has had the last eight years. 

But something is fundamentally wrong if you mistrust you government so much that you'd rather take away from the president's responsibilities and take care of them yourself. It resembles the shady governments in shady countries, where you never quite know what the government might do. 

I believe that Obama is going to change this culture of mistrust. He is saying all the right things - he seems like a listener and has earned the trust of the American people. But I understand know why some are hesitant with voting for him - there is a sense of fear installed in people.

And this fear is the fuel on the republican campaign machine. I really hope that American people have enough faith in Obama and let him show them and the world another sense of responsibility.

Like he said at the rally - I am going to be working for you! Please give him the chance.

X,

Fabijana

Signed, Sealed, delivered!

It was at a rally in the civic center in Roanoke, Virginia that we witnessed Barack Obama live. 

When we took off to the US. to join the campaign we had little hope of seeing any of the four major candidates. We used to say it hesitantly - "I would love to see Obama speak - but we probably shouldn't count on it" But thank God Virginia is a swing state.

Firstly, there was this amazing woman singing the National Anthem with so much passion that you had to feel moved.

Followed by a speech by Senator Jim Webb, who spoke about the McCain campaign and how they keep questioning if the American people can trust Obama - "I trust him" Webb said and the crowd went wild. (You should read up on Webb's running-for-senate-story - it is quite interesting)

And finally Obama walked in on stage. We couldn't believe it. There he was - this one man, who has moved the world. He spoke about his core issues: Health Care, energy, education and economy.

But what is striking is that he made a contract with his voters. Saying that we're all together in this. He said that he could make sure that they invested in renewable energy - but he couldn't switch off the lights in people's homes. He can recruit an army of new teachers - but he can't take away the video games from each child.

It was amazing. He's redefining the way a president should be - he knows that bossing people around has been going on for too long - he's the voice of the people - everyone will have to work for good results. 

Encouraged by the speeches, the diverse group of people who cheer for him and the music they played when he left the stage - one thing was clear.

The next president of the United States is Signed, Sealed and hopefully soon - delivered!

/Anette og Fabijana

The last debate..

                   

Through the Obama website we had signed up for an event, which encompassed us going to the DC home of Maury Lieberman and Leslie Scalle to watch the last debate between the presidential candidates.

It turned out to be a great evening, with a variety of attendees: from the college students to the retired folks: Americans, Swedish, French and Danish

At 9 PM sharp some 40 people where seated with snacks and drinks - ready for the debate. For one and a half hour, the candidates touched upon many subjects important to the Americans



Here is what we noticed the most:

Economic plan

"The fundamentals of our economy are weak" - Obama. This was a great statement because you get the feeling that he's honest and that he won't just tell you anything to make you vote for him.

"HE WANTS TO SPREAD THE WEALTH AROUND" - McCain. Coming from a pretty socialist country like Denmark it's hard even to grasp that this sentence was an attack. However, McCain continued to argue that Obama was killing "the American dream" by raising taxes for "Joe the Plumber".

(Even if you've only done a tiny bit of rhetoric you can already identify several tricks McCain is using - but it's too much)

Obama goes on talking about stuff that make sense and which we already cherish in Europe. 

- Corporate responibility

- Tax break for the middle class

- Identifying the nurse, the firefighters, the plumber and so on as the drivers of our economy

McCain got lost in talking to Joe the Plumber, offending Obama by rolling his eyes while Obama speaks and so on.

Leadership in the campaign

- Very interesting question. The candidates were asked directly if they'd admit to any negative campaigning.

McCain talked briefly and abstractly about some of his own adds and then went to attacking Obama playing the "I am so hurt by your indecency"- card, while Obama had a brilliant comeback:

"I think the people don't care about our hurt feelings" (S-C-O-R-E)

In the end of this question the candidates said something that categorised their life views. Obama was trying to round this question off by saying, we've both had negative campaigning but we can't categorise each other as bad people... McCain answered that he was VERY proud of the American people who come to their rally (and scream kill him about Obama).

One tries to unite - the other one tries to divide.

Climate Change

On energy, the candidates have quite different points of view although they agree that America needs independence from Middle Eastern and Venezuelan oil. While McCain and Palin hvae gone for the 'Drill baby, drill' tagline, as was discussed in a former contribution to this blog, Obama highlighted that Americans cannot drill themselves out of the problems.

Funny statement from McCain again when he referred to Obama as an extreme environmentalist for wanting drilling to be safe. (WTF?)

Education

A thing I loved about this debate was when Obama talked about an army of teachers, which I recognized from the politics in Copenhagen. The give and take thought. You give the teachers more pay and recognition - but you also demand higher standards.

'Joe the plumber' turned out to be the main character of the evening, and all changes to taxes, healthcare and such discussed by the candidates were put to the 'Joe the plumber test' by McCain. However, a little research shows that 'Joe the plumber' might not agree all that much with McCain.

Closing statements

McCain spent his life in service for America and he would love to get the chance to serve again (that is probably the most eloquent sentence from his side)

Obama: Yes things look bad but "I believe that our brighter days are still ahead"  Another beautiful statement was that "we need to invest in the American people" (tax cuts/midddle class, education, healthcare, energy economy)

"It's not gonna be easy and it's not gonna be quick - we have to come together and renew a spirit of sacrifice, service and responsibility" (Uniting words)

Our 'closing statements'

It was clear as mud that Obama had the upper hand at all times during this debate. He was the most eloquent, able to explain his own policies and the highest credibility. But of course we're not really McCain's target group so who's to say what sounds good in their ears.

It was so exiting to be part of this event and get a chance to talk to Americans about what they think about the election and the important subjects the candidates have to consider and respond to. American hospitality is great, and I cannot believe these people invited strangers, only connected by the trust in Obama, to their house. As Maury Lieberman said to us as we were leaving: "This is the spirit of Obama"

/Anette and Fabijana

Hey, is that what we're doing?

So I went to this book store in DC and man do the Americans know how to make books shiny and inviting. I ended up buying two "Taking on the system" by Markos Moulitsas Zuniga and "Profiles of Courage" by John F. Kennedy. (Ever since reading "The counsellor" I have gotten this thing for Kennedy)

However, I started reading "Taking on the system" and it's amazing literature. On how new technology like blogging has bypassed the usual gate keepers. Now information is passed directly from A to B - without someone in between deciding if it's important enough.

We have seen this happen in Denmark as well with the previous election. Blogging and Youtube became important ways of reaching the public and especially the politicians have tried to seem more "available" by their blogs and facebook profiles.

But I feel like there is much more potential in this than we've seen so far. We are not yet as effective at mobilising people through the internet and as far as fundraising goes - it's practically non existent in Danish politics.

But, but, but - it's not a matter of if but a matter of when it's going to get to Denmark - with national modifications of course. 

I am excited to see how that's going to look - politicians will have to overcome their fear of becoming too exposed by using the social networks and use it proactively while still being sincere. 

"Taking on the system" has definitely inspired my mind in regard to activism - and I realised that by coming to the states and joining the Obama campaign (and blogging about it) we're trying to get closer to a system that tries to close around itself -unless bloggers like the author of this book break it open.

Read The Daily Kos  

X,

Fabijana

Drill baby, Drill

Today we rented a car and drove to Richmond, Virginia, to witness a Sarah Palin Rally. It was scary. I guess we felt like it's important to know the enemy - sort of like keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.

 Virginia is still officially a so-called  swing-state, yet Obama is up by 6.5 percent in average according to RealClearPolitics. For a while we were undercover at the rally just listening to the speeches, the small talk of the Palin fans, and the country music that seems to follow the McCain/Palin campaign.

The field on which it happened was coloured red by all the republican merchandise and that's why it was fairly easy to see this one sign that read "WOMEN FOR OBAMA". 

The girl holding the sign was an 18-year-old college student and she must be the bravest girl in the world screaming Obama at the top of her lungs.

And brave is just the right word for her because the Palin fans were yelling comebacks you wouldn't expect.

Make no mistake it was a very hostile environment and the N-word was used about Obama. We were shocked. 

After playing "The Eye of a Tiger" and a couple of other songs we finally saw the 'Straight Talk Express' arriving. And suddenly there she was: Sarah Palin. No longer on Youtube, where you can switch her off when she gets too much - but there in flesh and blood talking about Americans being independent from foreign oil. And suddenly the crowd starting yelling "Drill baby, drill". Another topic, which quite naturally was covered, was the financial crisis. Virginia is quite interesting in that sense, seeing that it's such a diverse state.

It was a very frustrating thing to witness the rally because these people are so convinced that freedom, patriotism and war on terror is the same as showing love for your country - it seems like there is no point in even trying to argue with them. It's obvious that they are controlled by fear. 

On our way back to the car we luckily met some protesters and participated and that kind of lifted our spirits a bit. The woman organising the protest put much emphasis on the fact that we are campaigning positively. Smile at everyone and show your sign. However, it seems fair to say that the passing republicans did not like that. We were buh'ed at from just about every car leaving the rally. 

But that's probably the lesson of today: you can't control what other people think about you and what you stand for, but you can control how you react to it.

/Anette and Fabijana

The young voice of Obama

His name is Jon Favreau, he is 26 years old and he is the chief speech writer of Obama. Fell across this article about him today and I am filled with a mix of admiration and envy for this guy. I mean he's only two years older than I am and he's the pen behind som of Obamas most eloquent phrases. 

Read also the following article about this wunderkind, who must have the proudest mom in the world

Newsweek: In His Candidate's Voice

On a slightly different note: tomorrow we're going to Richmond, Virginia to see Sarah Palin at a Rally - exciting! More about that tomorrow.

X,

Fabijana

"They just arrived from Europe"

It is now 5 AM in DC and I am wide awake, but it's my own fault for bragging to Anette earlier about never having had any problems with jetlag. Oh well, I might as well use the time wisely.

They flight was great loads of space and a good book (Remember, me? Which there is no excuse for reading when I could be devouring books about the depression and find resemblances to the current financial situation, but the truth is I am a sucker for chickbooks)

Anyhow - we arrived at the airport and got picked up by Dimitrije (a friend from Serbia) and had no idea that in half an hour or so - we would have our first real meet with an important product of American culture:

Soccer Moms
The thing is that Dimitrije picked us up but didn't have the time to drive us directly home but had to give an one hour soccer practice to about 15 girls around the age of 10. Around the field were all the moms with their chairs and blankets and cake, in case the children get hungry. Dimitrije introduced us with "They just arrived from Europe" and all of a sudden I felt like they were examining my arm pits.

It was interesting to listen in on some of the conversations they had about politics, judging the candidates after how graceful their wives look. But still credit must be given where credit is due - I was very impressed when they started discussing who had voted for which bills and what that meant for the election. Pretty good background knowledge there.

Anyhow, soccer practice ended eventually and the girls got their cookies and went home - and so did we.

Right now, we're in Foggy Bottom - I am waiting for Anette to get up so we can start planning the next couple of days.

Next mission now is to find Joe Six Pack.

X,

Fabijana

(pictures are coming up)

So, after some weeks of serious planning we are off tonight - or rather really early this morning..

Flying out from Kastrup Airport in Copenhagen at 6 AM tomorrow morning, we are heading to the great city of Washington DC via Amsterdam. The plan is to spend some 10 days in DC before we head to Chicago on Monday, Oct. 20th.

I can't believe we are actually going and I can't wait to get there and let the fun begin! Updates will follow regularly  so check the blog every now and then..

/Anette